Arrangement of FRBR Entities in Colon Classification Call Numbers

This article analyzes similarities and differences between Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records (FRBR) entities and their representation in the Colon Classification call numbers. Dealing with lack of organization in library shelves and in the lists of bibliographic records resulting from users’ searches in our present online catalogs, the article discusses the chance to organize bibliographic resources by FRBR entities using the model of the facet formula provided for call numbers in Colon Classification and by means of relevant, ready, and useable extant data. Main results of this analysis are: correspondences between FRBR entities and categories expressed in Ranganathan’s bibliographic system can be found; a sound but not completely FRBRized bibliographic arrangement can be reached by call numbers also in catalogs not structurally capable to satisfy the FRBR model; in Ranganathan’s classified catalog1 semantic and semiotic cataloging are perfectly integrated, giving access to the bibliographic universe as a whole; facet formula for call numbers could be used as an identifying device.